Russia tops with a share of 35.18% or 19 million carats, followed by Australia with 22.22% or 12 million carats. Therefore, the two countries cumulatively accounted for more than half (57%) of the mined diamonds in 2020. The Democratic Republic of Congo also produced 12 million carats of diamond.

Botswana ranks fourth with a share of 9.25% or five million carats. South Africa produced three million carats accounting for 5.55% of the global share of mined natural diamonds. Elsewhere, Zimbabwe mined two million carats or 3.7%, while other countries accounted for a share of 1.85% or one million carats.

Pandemic disrupts diamond mining operations

The report overviews the conditions of diamond mining in 2020 and how the sector was affected in general. According to the research report:“In general, global industrial diamond production faced various challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Leading mining companies were forced to suspend operations as governments imposed lockdowns aiming to contain the spread of the virus. Similarly, with mining being a non-essential operation, workers were sent home as a safety measure.”

Before the pandemic hit, the diamond sector looked forward to a bullish future giving miners optimism to extract more of the precious stone. The report notes that:“Overall, most miners began the year on a bright note, backed with improving customer sentiments across critical markets with soaring demand. However, the pandemic halted demand after miners canceled and delayed sales. Furthermore, major diamond shows were scrapped due to health and travel restrictions as prices dropped.”

Furthermore, Russia also accounts for the highest share of natural diamond reserves globally at an estimated 650 million carats. Botswana comes a distant second with reserves of 310 million carats.

Elsewhere, the Democratic Republic of Congo ranks third with estimated 150 million carats in reserves, while South Africa has 130 million carats in diamonds. Australia has an estimated reserves of 25 million carats while other countries account for 120 million carats.